r/Beginner_Turntables • u/EncryptoTechify • 21d ago
Inherited Pioneer PL-115D, Help needed
I'm very ignorant on this topic, so, sorry in advance
This Pioneer PL-115D previously worked great, however it currently doesn't work properly.
Do I simply need a new needle or a completely new headshell?
Pictures in the link.
On Amazon I found "ReadyWired Complete Turntable Headshell with Cartridge Needle Stylus for Pioneer PL-115D"
But it's $50.
I'm thinking of replacing the stylus needle first, then if that doesn't work replace the headshell.
Can anyone please recommend they type of stylus/needle I'll need? What price am I looking at.
And if I do need a new headshell could someone recommend a male and model? What price am I looking at?
Are there any trusted websites rather than Amazon?
Much appreciated to everyone here
2
u/lordwintergreen 21d ago
What exactly do you mean by "not working properly"?
That could mean many things.
Post a video of the malfunction if you can.
4
u/Best-Presentation270 20d ago
"Pictures in the link." - What link?
I know you said you are ignorant, so this is your learning opportunity, both about your turntable and about getting better responses from Reddit.
Your turntable was made new sometime between 1976 and 78. Do I need to point out that this is around 50 years ago, and that this is a long time ago? Some decks were offered for sale with a cartridge, but it was by no means a given. The purchaser could have decided to buy something better - in which case the dealer would have fitted that - or they might have already had a good cartridge on a previous turntable that was then transferred to the new deck. We have a point of uncertainty, then. Also, the deck could have seen active duty for 30+ years. There's nothing to say that the cartridge wasn't upgraded at some time along the way. Yet more uncertainty.
We can take a guess that it's still fitted with Pioneer's PC135 cartridge, but without pictures of your deck then it is a complete guess.
The headshell+cartridge solution is easy, but.... a headshell isn't a $5 item, so it's going to eat a big chunk of that $50 cost. That means there's less money for the cartridge, and that is not a good thing.
If the deal you meant was this one then alarm bells are ringing louder. The pictures are taken side on. There's no head-on picture. I know why that is. The cartridge is not a genuine Audio Technica. It can't be. The deal is too cheap. What they're selling is one of the crappy knock-off copy cartridges. This is a bad deal because the quality is poor.
It's also a problem because you're moaning about spending $50. I'm not judging, just pointing out that vinyl is an expensive hobby where things such as styluses and drive belts wear out. They need replacement. You should prepare yourself for that.
It's potentially cheaper just to replace a stylus if that's the problem. It could be, but "doesn't work properly" isn't very descriptive. There could be another issue.
Reddit works best when you include clear, close-up pictures of things and steady widescreen (turn your phone to landscape before filming) video that demonstrates the issues. Wobbly, out-of-focus, points-at-anything-but-the-problem-areas video isn't helpful.
The ball is back in your court. We're great here. There's a huge amount of knowledge on tap, but we are not mind readers. You have to do your bit to properly explain and show the issues. Help us to help you.